DJ Clark Kent is kinda like hip-hop’s strongest link to sneaker culture in a lot of ways, and listening to him talk about either hip-hop or kicks is always like one of those fire-side chats. And I mean that in the most respectful way, not like “that dude’s old and boring.”

Peep those Olympic AF1’s he shows off midway too. Bet Michael Phelps doesn’t even have those.

Figured I’d post this before I head out for the night. Was in the studio all day, and I can say that there’s going to be some real heat hittin’ here soon.

But I’m feeling a lil awkward about Nike making some kicks that venture into that arena. That’s what they’re doing with the Air Royal Premium, a new line of sneakers from Nike that take elements of the Dunk and Jordan 1. Don’t get me wrong, rockin’ a pair of kicks like this is perfectly acceptable. But when I think Nike, I think of the vintage sports kicks that I grew with. I don’t think designer hi-tops. If I wanted that, I’d just go buy a pair of Louis or Prada kicks.

I want Forces and Jays from Nike. With that said, hit the jump for more photos and colorways of the new Nike Air Royal Mid Premium, set to drop in 2009.

This sneaker hit the net once before in a black/purple colorway, but they’ve been “lightened” up a lil. No word on when they’re dropping, but it’s probably soon. You know Nike and photo leaks. They’ve sold me.

I know a few of you have seen this already, but tell me these aren’t fresh. K-Swiss has just launched a sneaker line in collaboration with designer Julia Hederus, available only in Europe. The sneakers, Hederus said, were inspired by LEGOs. I can see it, and my inner-kid loves it. The line just launched in London.